Monica Hesse

Shadi Hamid, a columnist at The Washington Post, alongside Heather Long, who focuses on the middle class economy, and Monica Hesse, who explores gender dynamics, tackle the intriguing issue of America's declining birth rates. They discuss millennials' evolving views on parenthood, the impact of economic instability, and the emotional complexities of having children. The conversation highlights societal shifts and questions whether the declining birth rate is truly a crisis or an opportunity for new perspectives and policies.

Philip Bump, a Washington Post columnist known for his incisive analysis, joins fellow columnist Monica Hesse and Dana Milbank to dive into the frenetic political landscape since Trump's second term began. They highlight Trump's plummeting approval ratings and major policy blunders. The trio discusses threats to democracy in light of recent leadership choices and the cultural dynamics at play. They also tackle the monetization of the presidency and the lingering impacts of past political legacies on public sentiment, urging listeners to reflect on this turbulent era.

Megan McArdle, a columnist for The Washington Post focusing on AI's societal impacts, joins Monica Hesse, who explores humanity and trends. They tackle the evolving role of AI in education, comparing it to past tech disruptions. The duo reflects on leveraging AI for efficiency in daily life while ensuring critical thinking in education remains strong. They also discuss the tension between AI's benefits and potential loss of creativity, questioning how to maintain human connections amid technological advancements. The future of work and personal authenticity takes center stage.

Monica Hesse, a columnist at The Washington Post, passionately defends the beloved legacy of Sesame Street. The conversation uncovers its critical role in children's education and the challenges it faces today. Hesse reminisces about iconic public broadcasting shows and their profound influences on society. They discuss the importance of public funding for quality educational content versus commercial children’s media. The dialogue highlights how public broadcasting shapes American values and engages the audience in meaningful societal issues.

Monica Hesse, a columnist for The Washington Post, dives into the contentious influence of President Trump's actions on the Smithsonian. She argues that political control over museum narratives risks oversimplifying America's complex history. The discussion reveals how art can provoke discomfort and the crucial need to confront uncomfortable truths rather than sanitize them. Hesse also humorously explores innovative ways to honor historical figures in public spaces, urging a celebration of diverse stories that reflect the nation's multifaceted identity.